Private by design

Portal was created with privacy, safety and security in mind. And it has clear and simple settings, so you always stay in control.

Camera and microphone off

You can completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap. This mode physically disconnects the camera and microphone, and they cannot be turned back on without pressing the button again. A red light next to the lens indicates the camera and microphone are off.

Camera cover

Use the included camera cover if you’d like to block the camera lens, but still want to receive incoming calls and notifications, and use voice commands.

Screen lock

To limit Portal access within your home, you can set a 4–12 digit passcode to keep the screen locked.

Home and Away

When you turn on Home and Away, Portal will use your mobile phone and Portal’s location to know when you’re home and available to call. You’ll still get calls on Messenger when you’re away.

Camera and microphone off

Camera and microphone off

Camera cover

Camera cover

Screen lock

Screen lock

Home and away

Home and away

Secure calls

Facebook doesn’t listen to, view or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Your Portal conversations stay between you and the people you’re calling.

Voice commands

Like other voice-enabled devices, Portal only sends voice commands to Facebook servers after you say, “Hey Portal.” You can delete your Portal’s voice history in your Facebook Activity Log.

Smart Camera

For added security, Smart Camera uses AI technology that runs locally on Portal, not on Facebook servers. Portal’s camera does not use facial recognition and does not identify who you are.

Frequently asked questions

Portal was created with privacy, safety and security in mind. And it has clear and simple settings, so you always stay in control.

Completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap. This mode disconnects the camera and microphone, and cannot be turned back on without pressing the button again. A red light next to the lens indicates the camera and microphone are off.

Use the included camera cover if you’d like to block the camera lens, but still want to receive incoming calls and notifications, and use voice commands.

To limit Portal access within your home, you can set a 4-12 digit passcode to keep the screen locked.

The Camera and Microphone Off button on top of Portal was designed to provide the highest level of security. Pressing this button physically disconnects the camera and microphone from being able to transmit information. This mode cannot be disabled by software of any kind, no matter what level or privilege.

The Camera and Microphone Off button is tied directly to a red LED next to the camera lens. When the red LED is on, the camera and microphone are disconnected.

You can also block the camera lens with the camera cover provided.

Whether you’re moving around the kitchen or chasing the kids through the living room, Portal’s Smart Camera adjusts to follow the action. As more people enter a room, Smart Camera automatically widens to keep everyone in the frame.

We designed Portal with industry leading processing capabilities. For added security, Smart Camera uses AI technology that runs locally on Portal, not on Facebook servers. Portal’s camera does not use facial recognition and does not identify who you are — it uses AI technology to frame a scene. To do this, it determines whether something in the room is or isn’t a person.

Facebook doesn’t listen to, view or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Your Portal conversations stay between you and the people you’re calling. In addition, video calls on Portal are encrypted, so your calls are always secure.

With Portal you can use your voice to start a call, control device settings like volume, and more. Like other voice-enabled devices, Portal only sends voice commands to Facebook servers after you say, “Hey Portal.” You can delete your Portal's voice history in your Facebook Activity Log. If you have Alexa enabled, you can manage your Alexa voice history in the Alexa app.

Portal does not have Facebook ads at this time. Some third-party services on Portal (e.g., music partners) may embed ads in their content in the same way they do when providing their services on other devices.

Portal has an optional feature called Home and Away that uses your mobile phone and Portal’s location to know when you’re home and available to call. This tells Portal only to ring when you’re home. You’ll still get calls on Messenger when you’re away. This feature is turned off by default.

Portal is designed to help you connect more often with your loved ones. With Portal, you can only call, and be called by, your connections on Facebook and Messenger. You can also add your friends as favorites on the home screen for quick access.

Your Portal video calls do not show up in News Feed, and News Feed is not available on Portal. Portal can only pull in certain information from your friends’ Facebook profiles, like birthday reminders and photos your favorites are tagged in.

Facebook does not listen to or access any Alexa voice commands.

Try worry free

Fast and easy returns within 30 days when purchased from Facebook.

Limited consumer warranty

A one-year limited consumer warranty is provided with Portal purchases.

Free US shipping

Have your Portal delivered from Facebook anywhere inside the United States free of charge.